Rome, renowned for its world-class museums, is not only home to some of the most impressive collections of art and artifacts but also to a group of remarkable women who are at the forefront of managing the city’s cultural heritage. As Italy strives to improve its gender equality record, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of these women, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.
Leading the charge is archaeologist Alfonsina Russo, who, in 2017, beat 77 other candidates to become the director of the newly established Colosseum Archaeological Park, overseeing the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Domus Aurea. Under her leadership, the park has undergone multiple restorations, digital innovations, and the opening of previously inaccessible areas, all while being supported by a team of women archaeologists and restorers.
In 2016, Pope Francis appointed Barbara Jatta as the first woman director of the Vatican Museums, which includes the Sistine Chapel. As a specialist in art history, Jatta has undertaken numerous restoration projects, including the frescoes in the Raphael Rooms, and has successfully raised the profile of one of the world’s most prestigious museums.
Galleria Borghese, home to masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael, is under the direction of Francesca Cappelletti, a professor of modern art history. Since taking over in late 2020, Cappelletti has acquired a Guido Reni painting for the Villa Borghese collection and launched a series of digital programs and major exhibitions.
Edith Gabrielli, a scholar of art history and museology, is the first director of the newly-created autonomous museum combining the Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia. With a long career in Italy’s culture ministry, Gabrielli is currently overseeing a major restoration of the Vittoriano.
The Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GNAM), which hosts Italy’s national collection of modern art, is now run by Renata Cristina Mazzantini, an architect and curator who recently replaced Cristiana Collu after her eight-year tenure. Mazzantini brings with her experience from curating the successful Quirinale Contemporaneo project and numerous other high-level cultural projects and exhibitions.
Women also play a significant role in Rome’s contemporary art scene, with private galleries such as Galleria Valentina Bonomo, Maja Arte Contemporanea, and the Dorothy Circus Gallery all being run by women.
Lastly, the Chiostro del Bramante, a stunning example of High Renaissance architecture, is managed by three sisters: Laura, Giulia, and Natalia de Marco. Since the building’s restoration in 1996, they have staged around 45 shows, ranging from Turner to Banksy.
These women, through their dedication, expertise, and leadership, are not only preserving and promoting Rome’s rich cultural heritage but also serving as an inspiration for future generations of women in the arts and beyond.
